Soba with Toasted Sesame Seed Sauce

Toasted Sesame Seed Sauce Recipe with Soba and Broccoli

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Soba with Toasted Sesame Seed Sauce is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the nutty flavor of sesame seeds with the chewy texture of soba noodles. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a light lunch.

History

Soba noodles have been a staple in Japanese cuisine for centuries. They are made from buckwheat flour and are known for their nutty flavor and chewy texture. The toasted sesame seed sauce adds a rich and savory element to the dish, making it a favorite among food lovers.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of sesame seeds
8 oz (227 g) of dried soba noodles
2 tbsp of balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp of white sugar
2.5 tbsp of soy sauce
1 clove of minced garlic
1 tsp of dark sesame oil
5 chopped green onions
3 cups of broccoli florets

How to prepare

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C) and bake sesame seeds for 10-12 minutes.
2. Boil noodles in water for 5-7 minutes.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles with sugar, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, broccoli, sesame oil, and onions.

Variations

Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added protein.
Use different vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms.
Substitute the soba noodles with udon noodles or rice noodles for a different texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to toast the sesame seeds before using them in the sauce to enhance their flavor.

- Cook the noodles according to the package instructions to ensure they are cooked to perfection.

- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or protein to customize this dish to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Soba with Toasted Sesame Seed Sauce hot, garnished with additional sesame seeds and green onions. Pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Toasting the sesame seeds adds a depth of flavor to the sauce.

- Boiling the noodles until al dente ensures they are not overcooked.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

- Substitute honey or maple syrup for the white sugar.

Make Ahead Tips

The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Cook the noodles and vegetables in advance and assemble the dish just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Soba with Toasted Sesame Seed Sauce in individual bowls garnished with sesame seeds and green onions. - Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager beer.

- Enjoy it with a side of pickled vegetables or kimchi for added flavor.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

280

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 38g

- Dietary Fiber: 4g

- Sugars: 4g

Fats

- Total Fat: 10g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 9g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10%

- Vitamin C: 70%

- Calcium: 8%

- Iron: 15%

Alergens

Contains soy and sesame seeds.

Summary

This dish is a good source of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious meal option.

Summary

Soba with Toasted Sesame Seed Sauce is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for a quick meal. With the nutty flavor of sesame seeds and the chewy texture of soba noodles, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy it hot with your favorite vegetables and protein for a satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Soba with Toasted Sesame Seed Sauce. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to visit a quaint little Japanese restaurant in the heart of the city. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the delicious aroma of fresh herbs and spices wafting from the kitchen. I knew I was in for a treat.

I settled into a cozy booth and perused the menu, my eyes immediately drawn to the Soba with Toasted Sesame Seed Sauce. The description alone made my mouth water - buckwheat noodles tossed in a flavorful sesame seed sauce, topped with freshly chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds. I knew I had to try it.

When the dish arrived at my table, I couldn't help but admire its presentation. The noodles were perfectly cooked, the sauce glistening in the light, and the garnishes adding a pop of color. I took my first bite and was instantly transported to flavor heaven. The nutty richness of the sesame seeds combined with the savory umami of the sauce created a perfect harmony of tastes.

I knew then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish at home. I asked the waitress if she could pass along the recipe to me, but she simply smiled and said it was a closely guarded secret of the chef. Undeterred, I made it my mission to recreate the flavors of that unforgettable meal.

I spent hours researching different recipes online, experimenting with various ratios of sesame seeds, soy sauce, and other ingredients. Each attempt brought me closer to capturing the essence of that restaurant dish, but something was still missing. It wasn't until a chance encounter with a wise old woman at the local farmers market that I finally hit upon the missing ingredient.

As I browsed through the stalls, I noticed a small stand selling freshly harvested sesame seeds. The elderly woman behind the counter caught my eye and beckoned me over. She introduced herself as Mrs. Tanaka and explained that she had been growing sesame seeds for over fifty years. Intrigued, I struck up a conversation with her, and before I knew it, she was sharing her own recipe for Soba with Toasted Sesame Seed Sauce.

Mrs. Tanaka's recipe was simple yet elegant, calling for just a handful of ingredients that highlighted the natural flavors of the sesame seeds. She explained that the key to a truly authentic dish was in the toasting of the seeds - just a few minutes in a dry skillet would bring out their nutty essence and elevate the entire dish.

Armed with Mrs. Tanaka's wisdom, I returned home and set to work. I carefully toasted the sesame seeds until they were golden brown and fragrant, then ground them into a fine paste. I mixed in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of sugar to create a velvety sauce that coated the soba noodles like silk.

When I took my first bite of the finished dish, I knew I had finally achieved my goal. The flavors were spot on - rich, nutty, and deeply satisfying. I couldn't wait to share my creation with friends and family, knowing that I had unlocked the secret to a truly exceptional meal.

Over the years, I have continued to perfect my recipe for Soba with Toasted Sesame Seed Sauce. I have added my own personal touches, such as a dash of chili oil for extra heat or a sprinkle of nori flakes for a hint of the sea. Each time I make this dish, I am reminded of that fateful day at the Japanese restaurant and the serendipitous encounter with Mrs. Tanaka.

Now, whenever I crave a taste of that unforgettable meal, I simply whip up a batch of my homemade Soba with Toasted Sesame Seed Sauce. It never fails to transport me back to that cozy booth in the heart of the city, where a world of flavor awaited me with every bite.